Call for Applications: CIPC Youth Awards Competition 2025

South Africa
Intellectual Property
Youth
SMMEs
South African Innovation
Women

The first ever Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Intellectual Property (IP) Youth Awards are here.  

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable ride that is about to shake up the world of Intellectual Property! The Youth Awards is a groundbreaking competition shining a spotlight on young, brilliant entrepreneurs and researchers whose ideas (think inventions, products, applications, and services) are set to make a serious impact on South Africa’s vibe and quality of life. This is your chance to show off your creative genius and be part of something monumental! 

2025 is going to be lit due to the celebration of the youth and backing the commercialisation of their incredible work. The CIPC is all in on making the Youth Awards a premier stage for South African youth to strut their stuff and spark collaboration like never before! 

Award Categories: 

  1. Tech for Good: Got a new gadget or tech that’s all about sustainable development? This category is for you! 
  2. Copyright Creators: Are you crafting magic in music, films, or games? Apply now to celebrate your creativity and protect that brilliance! 
  3. Counterfeit Combat: If you’ve got innovative ways to tackle counterfeit goods, we want to hear about it! 
  4. SMME Innovators: Small, medium, or micro business rockstars using IP rights to fuel your growth? 
  5. Young Trailblazers (15 to 18): School kids making waves with their ideas? 
  6. Women in IP: Ladies making a mark in the IP world.

Winners will bag some sweet prizes, including a cash award of R25,000!

Criteria

  • Age: Applicants must be between 15 and 28 years of age at the time of submission.
  • Residency: Applicants must be South African citizens.
  • Innovation Ownership: The submitted innovation must be original and owned by the individual or project team members and not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.
  • Eligible Fields of Innovation: Applicants must choose to compete in one specific project category from the thematic areas listed here. Innovations should address current challenges or opportunities in the South African context.
  • Entry: All entries must be submitted using the official entry form, available via the competition portal.

Dive in today for the chance to be one of South Africa's top young creators!

Click here to apply

 

Closing date
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
​Mining and quarrying
​Manufacturing
​Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
​Construction
​Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
​Transportation and storage
Accommodation and food service activities
​Information and communication
Financial and insurance activities
​Real estate activities
Professional, scientific and technical activities
Administrative and support service activities
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
​Education
Human health and social work activities
​Arts, entertainment and recreation
​Other service activities
Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods-and-service-producing activities of households for own use
​Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies, not economically active people, unemployed people etc.
Website link
https://cipcipyouthawards.co.za/